Tamron 90mm macro or Sigma 150 OS?

[GuyF]

I've currently got the Tamron 90mm but have the chance to sell it to a colleague. Is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 OS a better lens? I'll be using it with a 5D mk3 that I intend buying very soon.

Has anyone compared the image quality of the two lenses directly?

(I've already discounted the Canon 100mm as I've got a couple of lenses that would cover portrait shots etc. hence the potential leap to 150mm.)

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Guy.

[Forceflow]

I don't have any experience with the Tamron, I can however tell you that the Sigma 150mm OS is a really great lens. I absolutely love it

[AdamJ]

I went through a similar lens selection process recently. At the time, I had a 70-200mm f/4 IS and I wanted a macro lens. I liked the idea of the Sigma 150mm OS because it would give me a faster tele option to complement my zoom. In the end, I decided against this multi-tasking route and instead replaced my 70-200mm f/4 IS with the f/2.8 version and got the Canon 100mm f/2.8 to use solely as a macro.

I made this choice because I didn't like the idea of lugging around the Sigma (1,150kg) along with my f/4 zoom, just to give me a faster option. As it is, I can leave the Canon macro at home and cover my fast tele needs with just one lens. Getting the 70-200mm 2.8 IS also allowed me to get the cheaper non-IS macro since I invariably shoot macro with a tripod.

All that said, the Sigma 150mm OS is an excellent lens by all accounts so if it fits in with your needs, go for it. I suspect the new Sigma 180mm OS will be way more expensive.

[lol]

I had a Tamron 90mm in the distant past, and currently have the Sigma 150mm no-OS. I don't think optical quality is something you need to worry about as generally most macro lenses are great or excellent. Of course the other features and use will be a bit different. For macro, not having an extending front with focus distance is a huge plus for me and for that alone I think it worth considering the change.

[GuyF]

I had a Tamron 90mm in the distant past, and currently have the Sigma 150mm no-OS. I don't think optical quality is something you need to worry about as generally most macro lenses are great or excellent. Of course the other features and use will be a bit different. For macro, not having an extending front with focus distance is a huge plus for me and for that alone I think it worth considering the change.

Hi Lol,

Good point about not extending with focus. Just as I was leaning towards the Sigma I've suddenly jumped back towards the Canon as it's cheaper (cash back offer ending soon!) and lighter. All reviews suggest both Canon and Sigma are equally sharp for macro. Also if I need a little extra reach with the Canon I can use my Kenko 1.4x converter - I'd be manually focusing at macro distances but have read some reports that this combination can cause problems with the camera freezing after taking a shot. Will try the combination this Saturday when I go to pick up my new toys  .